Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-02-04
OBITUARY..
MRS. JASON DAVENPORT.

1
AT her home in Minneapolis, Mimi, Jan. N,
1857, Anua NJ, wife OF Jason Davenport and
mother of Edward j. Davenport, aged 73
years
For more than threescore years Mrs.
Davenport lived in Middlebury. BY her kind,
patient, loving lite she endeared many to her
who will drop a tear as they read this notice
of her death.
She was born in Burlington, VT, March |,
ls4; moved to Middlebury when IA child, was
there married, May Is ls4O to Jason Daven
port, and in April, 1883, removed with her hus
band and daughters to Minneapolis, Mimi,
the home of her son. In september last she
fell, breaking herleg near the hip, since which
time she has been unable to leave her bed,
save when assisted by loving hands. Finally,
rheumatism attacked the broken limb, and
after intense suffering she quietly passed
away, January "a, surrounded by her husband
and children. Mrs. Farwell of Nerndale,
Mimi, her only surviving sister, was unable
on account OF sickness to be with her. And
today, borne by loving friends, five of whom,
namely, Hon. Geo F. Wheeler Albee Smith,
willard II. Cray, H. Merrill Parker and Frank
Farwell, had known her years lago in her old
New England home, she was laid away to
rest. She was noble, godly woman-a mod
el mother. Her Christian character shone
forth beautifully clear through years of suffer
ing; her patience was wonderful; her faith in
God steadast. The world was better tor her
having lived in it.
A little while ago dear friend gave her a lit
tie volume OF poems, and among the many
treasures it contained this seemed to be the
dearest to her:
"What will il matter, by and by,
Whether with cheek to cheek I've lain
Close by the pallid angel Pain,
Soothing myself through sob and sigh?
All will be esewise, by and byl
What will it matter? Naught, i'll
Only am surer the way I've trod,
Gloomy or gladdened, leads to Cod
Questioning not of the how the why,
If but reach Him, by and byr'
To her the "By and by" has come.
Minneapolis Mimi, Jan. 26, 1887.
SAMUEL SMITH SEVERANCE.
Born May %, 1909; died Jan. 81, 1887. As
seen by these dates, the subject of this sketch
had IA long life, and although retired and un-
obstrusive, il was worthy of note. One OF
eleven children, born on the place in Middle
bury where he died and where all his days
were spent-the highway ending near the
homestead-always frugal and industrious,
there was little of outward circumstance TO
attract attention; but, truly estimated, his lite
and character will repay careful attention.
His neighbors trusted and loved him and de.
plore his loss His industrious and methodi.
cal life is an example not soon to be forgot.
ten. He knew the grace and comfort of con.
tentment. His decided convictions left no
doubt of his sincerity. One of his later visits
to the village was to stand by public official
Al.
with loss OF position because OF a conscien.
tious discharge of his duty as IA citizen. lie
dwelt at home, grateful for providential mer.
cies, envying no one. For him the noun
tains and valleys, the flowers and birds had
welcome messages and quickened grateful
emotions. BY natural turn OF mind he be.
lieved with difficulty; religious questions
were shrouded in uncertainty; but he kept
his difficulties largely TO himself unwilling to
disturb the faith and comfort of others. But
the time came when all uncertainties gave
way TO the calmness and comfort of firm con.
victions and restful faith. In the winter OF
ls7s-9. at the age of three score and ten, in a
time of special revival, he accepted Christ,
joined the church in the following May and
henceforth walked in the clear shining of an
unwavering trust. For ten years the malady
was gathering by which he passed away; his
pains'were constant and keen but his spiritu-
al composure was undisturbed. His pastor
always found strength and encouragement in
his cheerful patience and courage. Ten years
ago he buried his only daughter and three
years later his companion. Two sons survive
one on the homestead the other in the
West The day OF burial was inclement but
the neighbors and friends assembled in good.
ly number, some walking from "A distance, to
testify to their esteem for the departed and
sympathy with the living. Services were
conducted by Rev. Mr.. speare, assisted by Rev.